. >> nasa has just released photos of earth that put the planet in a whole new light. the pictures are actually nine shots from a satellite that cut through clouds with the help of infrared technology. >> the nighttime pictures have a much higher resolution than previous such images. the quality is so good that the satellite can even pick up the light from ships as it does here on the river nile. the satellite images also show where on the planned it is still trul dark at night. >> they do not have snow in washington yet like we have here in berlin to get into the christmas selling. >> but as the holidays draw closer, u.s. president barack obama and his family have lit the national christmas tree outside the white house. >> it is an annual tradition dating back to 1923. this year's giant blue spruce is new and will remain planted outside the white house throughout the year. the tree is lit by 450 strands of alley delights and 120 star ornaments. >> that looks like a fun party. >> beautiful christmas in the white house for sure. that is all we have run out. thanks for w